RTV Maastricht

Hemelvaart and Pinksteren in Maastricht

There will be 3 public holidays in the upcoming 2 weeks. Hemelvaartsdag (Ascension Day) on Thursday 18 May and the 2 Pinkstersendagen (Pentecost days, also known as Whitsun and Whit Monday) on Sunday 28 and Monday 29 May.  The holidays originate from Christian beliefs.

Ascension Day, also known as the Feast of the Ascension, celebrates "when Jesus ascended to heaven". It falls exactly 39 days after Easter Sunday and 10 days before Pentecost.

Pentecost always occurs 50 days after Easter Sunday, and 10 days after Ascension Day. Due to the fact that Easter is a moveable feast without a fixed date, and Pentecost depends on the timing of Easter, Pentecost can fall anywhere between May 10 and June 13. Pentecost commemorates "the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles and other disciples" and it marks the beginning of the Christian church's mission to the world.

All 3 days are official public holidays, meaning most people will have a day off, although this is not a legal requirement. On Thursday 18 and Monday 29 May, shops will mainly be open from 12:00 to 18:00. On Sunday 28 May, shops will mostly be closed. The municipality offices including the GemeenteLoket (municipal service desk) will be closed on all 3 days.